November 2024 Newsletter
Go to act.org to sign up. If this is your first time, you will need to create an account. Once you sign up, check your ticket and go to the appropriate location you signed up for on the testing day. If you qualify for free and reduced lunches, you can request an ACT waiver permission slip from the Counseling Center front desk. If you are eligible, you can request up to 4 free fee waivers.
November is National Gratitude Month
As the year winds down and we enter November, it’s the perfect time to focus on gratitude and all the good it brings into our lives. Not only does expressing gratitude help us appreciate what we have, but research also shows it has powerful benefits for our mental health. National Gratitude Month was created to encourage people to experience these positive effects—not just for a day or a holiday, but all month long. Studies suggest that practicing gratitude can help us feel happier, strengthen relationships, and even improve physical well-being.
Why is gratitude so powerful?
When we take time to recognize and appreciate what we’re thankful for, our brains actually release more of the "feel-good" chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals can boost mood, reduce stress, and promote an overall sense of well-being. According to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, people who regularly practice gratitude report feeling happier, less anxious, and more satisfied with life. Neuroscientists also note that consistent gratitude practices can strengthen neural pathways, helping us to be more resilient in the face of challenges.
One study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that people who kept a gratitude journal for just three weeks reported higher levels of optimism and life satisfaction. Practicing gratitude can also help reduce feelings of envy, resentment, and regret by shifting our focus away from what we lack and onto what we have. In fact, the American Psychological Association has noted that gratitude practices can even improve sleep and physical health, as gratitude helps to reduce negative thoughts and worry, which can otherwise interfere with sleep and stress levels.
Here are some simple but impactful ways students can practice gratitude during National Gratitude Month, divided into three areas: school, family, and the community.
Gratitude at School
1. Thank Your Teachers and Staff
Teachers, counselors, and staff dedicate themselves to supporting and guiding students. Expressing thanks with a note or verbal “thank you” can show that their efforts are appreciated, which can strengthen bonds and create a more positive school environment.
2. Help a Classmate
Gratitude doesn’t always have to be verbal; it can also be shown through actions. Offering to help a classmate with a study session, sharing notes, or providing encouragement can foster a sense of belonging and create an environment of kindness and support.
3. Practice Active Listening
When participating in class discussions or group projects, take time to really listen to others. Respecting others’ perspectives and opinions shows gratitude for the diversity of ideas around us and can strengthen trust and mutual respect.
Gratitude with Family
1. Write a Note to a Family Member
A simple, heartfelt note telling a family member why you’re grateful for them can be incredibly meaningful. It doesn’t have to be long—even a short message of appreciation can go a long way toward deepening connections and improving mood for both the giver and receiver.
2. Offer to Help Out
Take some initiative to help around the house without being asked. Doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or even preparing a meal can be a practical way to show appreciation for the work others do, creating a more supportive and caring home environment.
3. Spend Quality Time Together
Quality time is one of the best ways to show appreciation for family. Take a break from screens and spend time with loved ones—whether it’s cooking, playing a board game, or just talking. Being present and engaged helps to create memories and strengthen family bonds.
Gratitude in the Community
1. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is one of the most direct ways to give back and show gratitude for the community. Help out at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community event. Studies show that volunteering can reduce feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression, benefiting both you and those you’re helping.
2. Support Local Businesses
By supporting local businesses—whether by shopping in-store or leaving a positive review—you’re showing gratitude for their contributions to the community. Local businesses often bring character and support to neighborhoods, and small gestures of support can help sustain them.
3. Pick Up Litter or Beautify an Area
A clean environment benefits everyone, and taking care of shared spaces shows respect for the community. Consider picking up litter during a walk or joining a community clean-up day to help beautify local parks or other areas.
As we celebrate National Gratitude Month, let’s all take time to acknowledge and express appreciation for what we have. Small acts of gratitude can brighten our days, reduce stress, and remind us of the many positives in our lives. Practicing gratitude doesn’t just make others feel good—it also helps us feel happier, healthier, and more connected. Let’s make November a month of appreciation and positivity!
